During my search for a pocketable MF folder, I jumped on a fully working Super Ikonta BX from an eBay seller with extensive positive feedback, fully expecting to put anywhere from $100 to $200 into refurbishment. Unfortunately the camera, while superficially functional, has too many issues to be considered a usable device in its current condition. I also realized that its too big to fit into the pocket of any pants I will ever wear. Since my Autocord will get used whenever I dont need the portability, and the Zenobia Ive since acquired fits the initial purpose, I decided to see what I would need to do to get this one in usable, saleable condition. While many of the issues with the camera are things Im able and willing to deal with, there are two serious problems which I am not. Both of them are things which can be worked around or ignored in day to day use, but they push the cost of refurbishment beyond what Im willing to spend for a camera I'm not going to use.
The Good:
Cosmetically, the camera is in pretty good shape, with brassing on the front crome trim and little to no corrosion on the body. The leatherette is intact and looks quite good, and while there are several small bumps on the front, none have damaged the material. The leather case is in fair condition cosmetically, and is very functional. The front and rear surfaces of the lens are clean and without noticeable scratches, and the lens itself is clear. The shutter fires reliably and is consistent at each speed. The rangefinder is accurate. Internally, the body is clean, the folding mechanism works smoothly, and the lens board is quite rigid. The bellows are in good condition and are light tight. The aperture blades are clean and operate smoothly.
The Bad:
There are several small, white spots, presumably fungus, on the internal surfaces of the lens. The shutter is slow ranging from about ½ stop slow at 1s to about 1.5 stops slow at 1/400s. The viewfinder is dim and somewhat cloudy. The focus ring turns smoothly, but takes far more effort than it should. These are things I could fix myself, or spend about $70 to get handled locally, but:
The Ugly:
I would have to ignore the damage to the gold coating on the rangefinder prism surface just behind the front viewfinder window. At present, the only noticeable impact of the damaged coating is the obstruction of about 5 % of the viewfinder in the top right corner. I would have no problem ignoring this if the following issue didnt exist.
And I would have to find a workaround for the sloppy, unreliable film advance system. Im not sure how much damage there is to the internal gearing, but its not usable in its current state and bypassing it, while using the red window for advance, would end up stripping the gears entirely.
These are issues which I am not skilled or equipped to handle and they push the repair estimates Ive received into the $220 to $350 range.
At this point I have two options: I can clean and lube the shutter and focus assembly, clean the lens and viewfinder, and sacrifice the advance gearing to use the red window in order to turn it into a usable camera which Ill keep on a shelf as an ornament, or I can sell or trade it to someone who will actually use it.
I will take payment via paypal or trade for things such as 120 film, an accessory shoe mounted rangefinder(plus film, cash, etc.), a modern accessory shoe mounted meter, or another project folder, preferably with an uncoupled rangefinder and a simpler film advance system.
Pictures and more specific results from my shutter speed test will be posted when I get home this evening.
My eBay feedback is under sdedalus83.
The Good:
Cosmetically, the camera is in pretty good shape, with brassing on the front crome trim and little to no corrosion on the body. The leatherette is intact and looks quite good, and while there are several small bumps on the front, none have damaged the material. The leather case is in fair condition cosmetically, and is very functional. The front and rear surfaces of the lens are clean and without noticeable scratches, and the lens itself is clear. The shutter fires reliably and is consistent at each speed. The rangefinder is accurate. Internally, the body is clean, the folding mechanism works smoothly, and the lens board is quite rigid. The bellows are in good condition and are light tight. The aperture blades are clean and operate smoothly.
The Bad:
There are several small, white spots, presumably fungus, on the internal surfaces of the lens. The shutter is slow ranging from about ½ stop slow at 1s to about 1.5 stops slow at 1/400s. The viewfinder is dim and somewhat cloudy. The focus ring turns smoothly, but takes far more effort than it should. These are things I could fix myself, or spend about $70 to get handled locally, but:
The Ugly:
I would have to ignore the damage to the gold coating on the rangefinder prism surface just behind the front viewfinder window. At present, the only noticeable impact of the damaged coating is the obstruction of about 5 % of the viewfinder in the top right corner. I would have no problem ignoring this if the following issue didnt exist.
And I would have to find a workaround for the sloppy, unreliable film advance system. Im not sure how much damage there is to the internal gearing, but its not usable in its current state and bypassing it, while using the red window for advance, would end up stripping the gears entirely.
These are issues which I am not skilled or equipped to handle and they push the repair estimates Ive received into the $220 to $350 range.
At this point I have two options: I can clean and lube the shutter and focus assembly, clean the lens and viewfinder, and sacrifice the advance gearing to use the red window in order to turn it into a usable camera which Ill keep on a shelf as an ornament, or I can sell or trade it to someone who will actually use it.
I will take payment via paypal or trade for things such as 120 film, an accessory shoe mounted rangefinder(plus film, cash, etc.), a modern accessory shoe mounted meter, or another project folder, preferably with an uncoupled rangefinder and a simpler film advance system.
Pictures and more specific results from my shutter speed test will be posted when I get home this evening.
My eBay feedback is under sdedalus83.